VESSELS OF MERCY OR VESSELS OF WRATH...the unfathomable riches of the Potter's freewill and sovereignty over all His creatures for eternity

As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part?

By no means! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy

on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”

So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up,

that I might show My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed

in all the earth.” So then he has mercy on whomever he wills,

and he hardens whomever he wills.

You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault?

For who can resist his will?” But who are you, O man, to answer back to God?

Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?”

Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump

one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?

What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power,

has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,

in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy,

which he has prepared beforehand for glory—

-Romans 9:13-23

Reprobation is the antithesis to election and necessarily follows from it. If God does not elect a person, He rejects him. If God decides not to convert a sinner into a saint, He decides to let him remain a sinner (1). If God decides not to work in a man to will and to do according to God's will, He decides to leave the man to will and to do according to his own will. When God effectually operates upon the human will, it is election. When God does not effectually operate upon the human will, it is reprobation. Election is the expression of divine mercy; reprobation of divine justice. Paul teaches this in Romans 11:22, "Behold the goodness and severity of God (divine compassion and divine justice) on them which fell severity; but toward you goodness."

Reprobation relates to regenerating grace, not common grace. It is an error to suppose that the reprobate are entirely destitute of grace. All mankind enjoys common grace. There are no elect or reprobate in this refernece. Every human being experiences some degree of the ordinary influences of the Spirit of God. St. Paul teaches that God strives with man universally. He convicts him of sin and urges him to repent of it and forsake it (Roms. 1:19-20; 2:3-4; Acts 17:24-31).

Reprobation comprises preterition and condemnation of damnation. Preterition is a sovereign act; condemnation is a judicial act. God passes by or omits an individual in the bestowment of regenerating grace because of His sovereign good pleasure (eudokia). The reason of condemnation is known: sin is the reason. The reason for preterition is unknown: it is not sin, because the elect are as sinful as the nonelect. In preterition, God’s action is permissive; inaction rather than action. In condemnation God’s action is efficient and positive.

Preterition is “letting things stand” as they are. To omit or pretermit is to leave or let alone. The idea is found in Luke 17:34, “The one shall be taken, the other shall be left…”

Preterition in the bestowment of regenerating grace is plainly taught in Scripture (Isaiah 6:9-10*; Matt. 11:25-26; 13:11; 22:14; Luke 17:34; John 10:26; 12:39; Acts 1:16; 2 Thess. 2:11-12; 2 Tim. 2:20; 1 Peter 2:8; Rom. 9:17-22; Jude 1:4).

*Isaiah 6:9-10 is quoted more in the N.T. than any other O.T. text (4x’s in the gospels; 1x in Acts; and 1x in Romans). He said, "Go, and tell this people: 'Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.' "Render the hearts of this people insensitive, their ears dull, and their eyes dim, otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and return and be healed."

Source: William G.T. Shedd - "Dogmatic Theology"-third edition; P&R Publishing, 2003 - p. 333-336

1. Shedd is not implying here that Christians are not any longer sinners. He is using the term to describe nature (unregenerate, sinner; regenerate, saint.) Saints are still sinners (Prov. 24:9) saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph. 4-6). Our old nature has been crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20-21; 2 Cor. 5:17). Though we have been completely delivered from the penalty of sin (salvation), we have not been delivered from the presence of sin (glorification) nor entirely from the practice of sin (sanctification) (Titus 2:12) until we are home with the Lord (Roms. 8:29-31; Titus 2:13). None of us have arrived to the fulness of our sanctification in this life... have we? (Eph. 5:23-27; Rom. 12:1-2). We all still struggle with sin and its desires (Rom. 7:7-10).

But, as new creations in Christ, a genuine Christian will not be given over to the constant "practice of sin" without any repentance or conviction of conscience (Gal. 5:16ff). We will ultimately desire to please the Lord by turning from those things which do not honor Him and then doing the things that do bring Him glory and delight. This is a constant struggle that all of us face - even the Apostle Paul faced it daily in his own life (Rom. 7:14-20). But when we do sin, our hope is that we have an adovate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous who intercedes for us (1 John 2:1-2). We are still sinners, that by God's grace are now made saints--His brethren (Heb. 2:11). We are new creatures, but incarcerated in unredeemed flesh (Rom. 8:23) and that is the source of the battle that rages within each day as we daily walk in the Lord (Col. 3:1-14).

BUT, there is "no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus the Lord" (Rom. 8:1). I hope this helps clarify the distinction of what I believe Shedd is saying.

HOW CAN A LOVING AND GOOD GOD SEND ANYONE TO HELL?...the sovereignty and justice of God in the condemnation of sinners

20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God?

Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?”

21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump

one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?

22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power,

has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,

23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy,

which he has prepared beforehand for glory— 24 even us whom he has called,

not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles?

-Romans 9:20-24

Dr. Al Mohler is a uniquely gifted man of our time. He is a scholar, a seminary President, a theologian, an apologist, political commentator and Christian worldview communicator. He is an under-shepherd of Christ at his home church; he is a preacher of the gospel; and a servant. I am proud to call him friend and am blessed that we live in this same hour to serve the Lord and impact others for the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Here is a powerful message that our brother recently preached. It is on the theme of: "How can a God who is loving and good send anyone to hell?" A daunting and stirring question. He was asked to address that question recently at Idlewild Baptist Church in Tampa, Florida. It is a tremendous message that I highly commend to you all.

What do you say? Does a loving and good God send anyone to hell?

Here is the video of that message.

Two Book Recommendations on this Important Theme of the Imputation of Christ's Righteousness in Justification

1. John Pipers excellent tome: Counted Righteous in Christ. This is a short, simple yet profound treatment of this subject that I found invaluable in my study. As only Piper can, he deals with this subject historically, theologically and most important--biblically. This is one of Pipes finest.

2. James White's landmark work: The God Who Justifies. Not since James Buchanan's "Doctrine of Justification" has there been such an exhaustive, expository and exegetical treatment as you will find on the most essential of all doctrines: justification by faith alone.

J.I. Packer sums it well when saying: “By Justification we mean – man’s acceptance with God, or his being treated as righteous in His sight – as the object of His favor, and not of His wrath; of His blessing, and not of His curse. The breach of the Law in its covenant form by the sin of our first parents, rendered it for ever impossible that either they, or any of their descendants, should be justified on the ground of their personal righteousness.”

That is why this subject is essential truth and doctrine that we must know--and know with certainty.

I highly commend both as valuable additions to your library and for your study.

Grace and peace,
Steve
2 Tim. 2:15

JOHN OWEN ON LIMITED ATONEMENTthe unlimited sufficiency of the cross for the elect

FOR WHOM DID CHRIST DIE?
by John Owen

The Father imposed His wrath due unto, and the Son underwent punishment for, either:
1. All the sins of all men;
2. All the sins of some men, or;
3. Some of the sins of all men.

In which case it may be said:
1. That if the last be true, all men have some sins to answer for, and so, none are saved;
2. That if the second be true, then Christ, in their stead suffered for all the sins of all the elect in the whole world, and this is the truth;
3. But if the first be the case, why are not all men free from the punishment due unto their sins?

You answer, "Because of unbelief."
I ask, Is this unbelief a sin, or is it not? If it be, then Christ suffered the punishment due unto it, or He did not. If He did, why must that hinder them more than their other sins for which He died? If He did not, He did not die for all their sins!"

this has been an encore presentation

CONTENTMENT (pt 2)...the delight and pleasure of trusting His sovereign purposes

Phil. 4:5 Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Phil. 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Phil. 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil. 4:8 ¶ Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.
Phil. 4:9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you. (NASB)

5. Maintain a Faithful Witness (v.5)
5:5 Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.

Forbearing here could be rendered “gentleness” or “reasonableness”. This is the yielding of our rights, as Christ Himself did (Phil. 2:5-11), and who did not press the strictness of His Law against us as we deserve. This is the grace of God in action.

Here is an apt description of such a forbearing spirit:

An obedient submissiveness to God and His will; unwavering faith displayed in a gentle attitude in kind acts towards others who are hurting you. It is a humble steadfastness; able to submit to injustice, disgrace, and maltreatment free from hatred, malice and revenge.

It is that which we are to make "known to all men." What a witness and testimony of God’s grace working in our lives to have this personality of the Spirit known to others. I surely haven’t arrived at this in my life; it is a process of grace that thankfully one day will be completed (Jude 24-25).

The Apostle provides all the necessary reason to live in this selfless manner “the Lord is near.” Lightfoot calls this, “the Apostle’s watchword.” The Lord’s coming is the grand motive to every Christian grace beloved. “You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5:8).

Albert Barnes says,

“This has the appearance of being a phrase in common use among the early Christians, and as being designed to keep before their minds a lively impression of an event which ought, by its anticipation, to produce an important effect… The idea is, that the expectation that the Lord Jesus will “come” ought to be allowed to produce moderation in our manner of living, in our expectations of what this world can furnish, and in our desires of earthly good. On him who feels that he is soon to die, and to stand at the bar of God—on him who expects soon to see the Lord Jesus coming in the clouds of heaven, it cannot fail to have this effect.

Men are extravagant in their plans of life, and in their expectations of earthly good for themselves and for their families, because they have no realizing sense of the truth that there is before them a vast eternity. He that has a lively expectation that heaven will soon be his, will form very moderate expectations of what this world can furnish.”

Contentment finds its rest not in this world, but in the life to come. Maranatha!

6. Don’t be anxious (v.6a)
6a Be anxious for nothing,

O the utter simplicity and power of those words--"be anxious for nothing." By nature, I am an anxious person; are you? I fret over what my provision may be for another day. I am sometimes troubled for the future of my children and the world in which they are growing and living. I am burdened by the rigors of ministry and family.

“Seek ye first the kingdom…” are the echoing words ringing in my heart daily. Keep on for the Lord, trust in Him, labor hard for Him, cast your cares on Him, delight yourself in Him, —but, solicitous for nothing. I cannot increase my days for a moment by worrying; I cannot add one element to my station in life by fretting. I must, by God’s grace, be restless for not one thing.

There is also such a disturbing finality to those words—“for nothing”—isn’t there? This uncomfortable certainty robs us of our confidence and control of our own destiny—for every day, every hour, and every moment we must be resigned to Christ and His design for us. This is the constancy of the believer in Christ. To be given to an anxious heart is to really question the Lord’s providential care and distrust His divine working in our lives. This anxious-free-living though is not fatalism; but Sovereignty’s great rest for His own. This does not relieve any of us from the dialy duty of life; our work, education, relationships, living as faithful citizens of this earth, etc. On the contrary, it means that our lives on earth will be marked by a sense of calm trust in the Lord in a world of turmoil and instability.

IOW, we may find great comfort and solace in Christ despite what “life” may give to us each day. This is the resignation of our will to Him; our purposes to His plan; our desires for His determination; and our dreams to His eternal decrees.

Let me ask you beloved, do you have a sick child in intensive care today? A wayward son or daughter that you have prayed for and they still are not living for Christ? Have you lost a place of employ and have no presents to give your children this Christmas? Have you gone through a divorce or the death of a loved one recently? Here is where the reality of this truth applies, “be anxious for nothing.”

7. Pray always with thanksgiving (v.6b-7)
6b but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This is the remembrance of past answered prayers in the Lord that we recall in confidence that He will hear and answer our current petitions before Him. We will “let our requests be known to God” with unreserved confidence, filial, and generous abandon on His throne of grace “to find help in time of need.” Jesus said, “men ought always to pray and not faint.” Are you losing heart beloved today? Then march on your knees and pray to the One who sees and knows every need “even before you ask of Him.” Every appeal no matter how small or immense; no matter how trivial or profound; whether a pebble or boulder of weight of need, we must bring them all to the Lord in a humble expectant heart of thanksgiving.

The result, “the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Think of it, His peace will protect our thoughts and desires in Christ Jesus; it will keep them from straying to sin, wayward desires, and filling the anxiousness of our souls by playing god with our vaporous lives. This is the danger when our days are troubled. But oh, there is sweet protection even in our supplications—He “shall guard our hearts and minds.” This is a tremendous promise that we seldom summon in our time of need. But there it is for us. His peace “surpasses all comprehension” and is there for every believer.

8. Guard your thought life (v.8)
8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.

Here is what Paul says should be the continual preoccupation of our minds. "Dwell on:"

• What is true: truth, sincere, everything that is the reverse of falsehood, the highest moral character, all that is honest and just before God and man.
• What is honorable: reverent, reputable, noble. That which is venerable and deserving of respect or esteem; majestic or awe-inspiring. It encompasses that which did not violate conscience or interfere with the Law of God.
• What is right: just, virtues of justice and honesty. Being above reproach by doing what is right. Uncorrupted integrity.
• What is pure: chaste, undefiled, clean (in thoughts, words and deeds).
• What is lovely: pleasing and winsome. "The things whose grace attracts." (Robertson)
  
• What is of good repute: fair-speaking, praiseworthy, attractive, appealing.
• If there is any excellence: virtue; the most comprehensive Greek term for moral excellence and the central them for Greek ethics.
• And praise: worthy of praise
  

"Dwell (think) on these things." To consider, reckon and take into account. Literally, "use your facilities upon them." That is, to "fix our minds" upon these things. This is present tense Christianity; IOW, Paul is describing and prescribing the daily habit of the Christian.

This is the two-pillar life of piety and morality.

“Piety is love with its face towards God; morality is love with its face toward man.” (JFB)

We are to continually regard these things in our lives as an act of praise-worthiness. Contentment begins with the mind firmly fixed upon all that God deems true and right, holy and pure in His Word for our lives.

9. Obey God’s Word (v.9)
9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.

This is the practice of holiness. This is Christianity lived. This is being filled with the Spirit and the Word of Christ dwelling richly in us. And the same promise as before, “the God of peace shall be with you.”

Are we lacking anything from our Lord to produce contentment in our lives? Not one thing. Contentment, even for Paul, was something he learned in the school of sanctification (4:12).

We will close with brother Spurgeon ministering to our sometimes confused, discontented souls once again with these powerful words,

“You that love not Christ, recollect that you are the most miserable people in the world. Though you may think yourselves happy, there is no one of us that would change places with the best of you. When we are very sick, very poor, and on the borders of the grave, if you were to step in and say to us “Come, I will change places with you; you shall have my gold, and my silver, me riches, and my health,” and the like. There is not one living Christian that would change places with you. We would not stop to deliberate, we would give you at once our answer — “No, go your way, and delight in what you have, but all your treasures are transient, they will soon pass away. We will keep our sufferings, and you shall keep your gaudy toys.”

Saints have no hell but what they suffer here on earth; sinners will have no heaven but what they have here in this poor troublous world. We have our sufferings here and our glory afterwards; you may have your glory here, but you will have your sufferings forever and ever. God grant you new hearts, and right spirits, a living faith in a living Jesus, and then I would say to you as I have said to the rest — man, in whatsoever state you are, be content.”